The U.S. Healthcare Workforce Shortage Is Growing — But So Is The Solution

The U.S. healthcare system faces an urgent workforce shortage that will only increase in the coming years¹. Today Virginians experience a shortfall of 770 primary care physicians that will grow to nearly 1,000 by 2035². These shortages strain every level of care, leading to longer wait times, increased physician burnout, and disparities in access to healthcare — especially in rural communities, or Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).

Meeting this growing demand requires the healthcare system to embrace innovative and sustainable solutions. One highly promising solution being piloted in 12 states including in Virginia, is expanding pathways for experienced International Physicians to join the U.S. healthcare workforce.

Broad Skill Set, Deep Experience

Hiring International Physicians through a Provisional License pathway or in other roles not only fills vacancies but also brings valuable expertise to healthcare teams. These International Physicians are not novice physicians; they are highly trained professionals who have completed rigorous medical education and have extensive clinical experience, including work in resource-limited settings. Currently International Medial Graduates (IMGs) make up about 24.7% of all practicing physicians in the U.S.³

Foreign-trained physicians not only help to alleviate the physician shortage, they also bring a broad range of advantages, including proven clinical excellence, a strong commitment to primary care and underserved communities, and a cost-effective, timely way to expand the healthcare workforce alongside traditional pathways.

Studies show that IMGs provide care equal to or surpassing that of U.S.-trained physicians, particularly in managing chronic diseases. As Dr. Hosai Hesham noted during the RPA Coalition’s 2024 Webinar Series, “most international medical graduates were at the same level, if not slightly better, in managing chronic conditions, both regarding mortality and readmission rates.”⁴

Addressing Health Equity and Workforce Distribution

The physician shortage is not solely a matter of numbers. Unequal distribution affects rural areas, immigrant communities, and communities of color disproportionately.

IMGs contribute more than medical expertise. They offer cultural competence, language skills, and lived experiences that build patient trust and improve communication. This is particularly crucial for minority patients. Studies show they experience significantly better outcomes when treated by physicians of the same ethnic background. For instance, a major study found race-matched patients were 13 percent less likely to die in the hospital compared to those who were not (“Impact of Patient-Physician Race Concordance on Mortality”)⁵

The chart below illustrates these mortality rate differences between race-matched and race-mismatched patients.

A Cost-Effective Solution for a Critical Need

The physician shortage requires innovative and inclusive solutions. Expanding Graduate Medical Education slots are expensive and slow. It often requires years to impact the physician supply. Meanwhile, thousands of qualified IMGs could be utilized to mitigate this costly issue.

By embracing the talent, dedication, and experience of international physicians, Medical Care Facility Executives in Virginia and in other states can create a healthcare system that is more equitable and resilient, all the while improving access to healthcare in Rural areas and HPSAs. Hiring and integrating IMGs is a strategic and forward-thinking investment in the future of American healthcare.

It’s time to work toward fully recognizing International Physicians as the essential solution they already are.